The second generation of the Kia Niro is now a reality, an SUV-type vehicle that adopts a very futuristic design and that will be offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric versions.
Kia has just officially unveiled the second generation of, one of its most popular and commercially successful SUV-type vehicles in Europe. The world premiere of the new model took place at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show.
KIA NIRO 2022: AESTHETIC AND TECHNICAL KEYS
As we have been anticipating in previous information, the second generation of the Kia Niro inherits many aesthetic elements of the HabaNiro concept of 2019. The influence of the Habanero 2019 in its exterior image is reflected in its elegant and daring details of crossover / SUV type, in addition to its more than striking two-tone bodywork. Another highlight in its “outer suit” is the wide pillar at the rear with which it is possible to optimize airflow to improve aerodynamics, according to Kia. In this rear area, the boomerang-shaped headlamps are also striking.
Kia’s signature ‘tiger face’ has been transformed for the new Kia Niro and now extends from the hood to the prominent lower bumper. The new LED DRL daytime running lights are also protagonists in its new front design, which gives a more personal and striking appearance on the move.
On a technical level and according to the official data initially announced, the South Korean firm confirms the new “Greenzone” driving mode, with which the vehicle automatically switches itself from HEV hybrid driving mode to EV driving mode (pure electric) when the car detects that it is approaching or about to enter an area of circulation restricted to existing zero- or low-emission vehicles in some large cities. To do this, it uses real-time navigation data as well as the history of the most visited places during previous trips.
In the interior, the clear sustainability and respect for the environment of this vehicle is reflected a commitment to the use of recycled materials. Some of them are the headliner made of recycled wallpaper, the seats made of Bio PU with Tencel from eucalyptus leaves, and the special BTX-free paint (water-based paint that does not contain isomers of benzene, toluene, or xylene). on the door panels.
In terms of the configuration of the cabin, the new off-center instrument panel that curves around the front occupants with horizontal and diagonal lines opposite each other stands out to create a relaxing but irregular aesthetic. In the middle of the dashboard, a large touch-type digital display offers, according to Kia, an easy and very intuitive operation. As for the selector of the different driving modes, it is of the dial type and selectable through a small circular knob. On the other hand, to offer the most pleasant and welcoming interior possible, various types of ambient lighting are available.
Finally, regarding the different mechanical versions with which it will be available for commercialization throughout 2022, Kia confirms three types of variants: a “conventional” HEV hybrid and self-charging in motion; a second plug-in or plug-in hybrid (PHEV); and thirdly, a one hundred percent electric variant. Regarding the technical specifications of each of them, the Asian manufacturer has not announced official data in this regard, but an improvement in terms of efficiency is to be expected, with somewhat tighter fuel consumption in the hybrid versions and a little more autonomy. electric for the EV variant.
